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. 2021 Jun 17:2021:6662724.
doi: 10.1155/2021/6662724. eCollection 2021.

Coaching Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Scoping Review

Susan Allen  1   2 , Fiona J Knott  1 , Amanda Branson  1 , Shelly J Lane  3
Affiliations

Coaching Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Difficulties: A Scoping Review

Susan Allen et al. Occup Ther Int. .

Abstract

Aim: To review current evidence regarding the effectiveness of occupational therapy coaching interventions for parents of children with sensory integration difficulties, delivered to individuals or groups of parents.

Method: A historical scoping review was completed of empirical research records to summarize what is known and how this information can guide future research. The process was guided by PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English language and peer-reviewed empirical studies of parent coaching intervention for children with sensory processing or sensory integration difficulties. Five databases were searched. Papers were critically reviewed using McMaster's guidelines.

Results: Four studies met the search criteria. Three studies took a direct coaching approach with individual parents or families. The fourth study took a mixed educational/coaching approach with groups of parents and teachers.

Conclusion: There is some evidence to conclude that occupational therapists can deliver individual parent-focused coaching interventions which impact positively on individual child goals, parental stress, and sense of competence. Group intervention can lead to caregivers' improved perceived and actual knowledge of sensory integration, as well as a sense of self-efficacy in dealing with sensory-related child behaviors. Current evidence is limited. Suggestions for future research are offered.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interest in this research.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. Systematic review of interventions for parents of children with sensory processing and integration difficulties.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Lane S. J., Mailloux Z., Schoen S., et al. Neural foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration®. Brain Sciences. 2019;9(7):p. 153. doi: 10.3390/brainsci9070153. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Miller L. J., Anzalone M. E., Lane S. J., Cermak S. A., Osten E. T. Concept evolution in sensory integration: a proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2007;61(2):135–140. doi: 10.5014/ajot.61.2.135. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Lane S. J., Bundy A., Gorman M. Composing a theory: an historical perspective. In: Bundy A., Lane S. J., editors. Sensory Integration: Theory and Intervention. FA Davis; 2019.
    1. Watling R., Kuhaneck H., Schaaf R. C. Occupational therapy practice guidelines for children and youth with challenges in sensory integration and sensory processing. AOTA Press; 2018.

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